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You're listening to The Christian Post Daily Podcast. Today is, Thursday, Jul 10.
The Presbyterian Church (USA), the largest Presbyterian denomination in the U.S., is actively addressing the issue of "White Christian Nationalism" with a newly released resource titled “Confronting White Christian Nationalism.” Defined by the theologically progressive denomination as a political ideology merging Christian identity with American civic life, the resource critiques beliefs that view America as divinely chosen and Christian law as central. The PCUSA's General Assembly Committee on Ecumenical and Interreligious Relations argues this ideology undermines Christianity, confusing religious and political authority. Highlighting events like anti-Muslim policies and antisemitic attacks, the committee asserts a need to stand with interfaith partners against Christian nationalism's harms. While some dismiss it as a label against conservative Christians, others emphasize its potential impact on America's socio-political landscape.
Bellevue Baptist Church could soon welcome Ben Mandrell, CEO of Lifeway Christian Resources, as its new lead pastor. The Tennessee megachurch's pastor search committee unanimously recommended Mandrell to succeed former Southern Baptist Convention President Steve Gaines, who stepped down for itinerant preaching. Chad Hall, the committee's chairman, stated they believed Mandrell was “the man God had already chosen to lead.” Mandrell, eager for the next chapter, expressed gratitude for his Lifeway tenure but felt "it's time for us to return to the pastorate." Having led Lifeway to financial growth and a strategic relocation, Mandrell brings significant pastoral experience from Colorado and Tennessee. Gaines, who recently revealed a kidney cancer diagnosis, assured his congregation his faith remains strong, stating, “I will not die... my faith is in the Lord.”
In a miraculous escape, Michael Oakes, outreach minister at Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, shared his harrowing experience during last Friday's devastating flash floods in Texas's Hill Country. As the floodwaters from the Guadalupe River rose rapidly overnight, Oakes and his family, seeking refuge during the Independence Day weekend, found themselves trapped in their Hunt river house. "We went to bed Thursday night to light rain," he noted, but by 2 a.m., the rising water turned their trip into a nightmare, forcing Oakes and his son to venture out in chest-deep water. Rescued by neighbors, they joined others on higher ground as daylight revealed overwhelming devastation. Texas Governor Greg Abbott reported 161 missing, with Camp Mystic, a Christian camp, suffering severely. Despite their safe escape, Oakes urged prayers for victims, emphasizing, "Please pray for those still suffering and help if you can."
Ten individuals were arrested by the FBI for an armed assault on the Prairieland Detention Facility in Texas, with another suspect at large. The attackers, who wore tactical gear and injured a police officer, face charges like terrorism and aggravated assault. Acting ICE Director Todd M. Lyons criticized the violence, linking it to "dangerous politically-motivated rhetoric." The Trump administration argues that opposition to its strict immigration policies incites violence against ICE, asserting that rhetoric by Democrats like Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and comparisons of ICE to Nazis by figures such as Wisconsin Gov. Tim Walz exacerbate tensions. Despite the controversy, ICE continues its aggressive crackdown following directives from Trump, fueling debate over its methods and oversight.
In a significant legal development, U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani has issued a temporary restraining order blocking the enforcement of a recently signed budget provision by President Donald Trump, which removes Medicaid funding from Planned Parenthood and other abortion providers. This provision, part of the broader "big, beautiful bill", aims to impose a one-year ban on federal Medicaid funding to these organizations for non-abortion services. Planned Parenthood, facing potential closure of up to a third of its 600 clinics, described the law as "unconstitutional" and praised the court's swift intervention. Meanwhile, National Right to Life President Carol Tobias criticized the lawsuit, claiming Planned Parenthood is trying to "maintain their grip on public dollars." The case is set for further arguments on July 21.
The U.S. Supreme Court recently ruled 6-3 in favor of the Trump administration's order to limit birthright citizenship, sparking backlash from Hispanic Christian leaders. Carlos Durán, President of the National Alliance of Hispanic Pastors, criticized the decision, calling it an attack on human dignity. He argued, "Denying citizenship to babies born on American soil is not hard, it's cruel," emphasizing the ruling's moral dangers. Justice Amy Coney Barrett's opinion focused on limiting the scope of national injunctions, asserting that universal injunctions are outside Congressional authority. Rev. Gabriel Salguero of the National Latino Evangelical Coalition stressed that "children born on U.S. soil are citizens," urging leaders to uphold constitutional commitments. Patricia Ruiz Cantú of RenaceUSA called the ruling a "moral failure," insisting it contradicts pro-life values and undermines the essence of American identity.
Actress Candace Cameron Bure recently opened up about a trying period in her marriage to Valeri Bure on her podcast. During the July 8 episode of "The Candace Cameron Bure Podcast," she revealed they had faced a rough patch, fearing their marriage might not last. The couple’s middle child, Lev, played a pivotal role in their reconciliation. “At one point, Lev preached, like, a 45-minute sermon on marriage to us,” she said, recalling his impactful words, “I don’t need to be married to know what the Word of God says." Lev's perspective helped bring clarity during their challenging times. Despite not sharing specifics of the marital issues, Bure confirmed they worked through their struggles and recently marked their 29th wedding anniversary. She attributes the longevity of their marriage to a shared commitment to God, saying, “The love has grown over the years.